These test tube ornaments are no exception. Let’s get started with the tutorial!
By now you all probably now about the Pledge and glitter technique.
I have used it before with glorious results, and still have lots left over for more crafts.
I thought it would be fun to use on some test tubes!
To make these ornaments you will need Pledge with Future Shine, test tubes (Hobby Lobby), and glitter.
Start by pouring a small amount of the Pledge into one of the test tubes and reinsert the stopper.
Roll the tube around so that the Pledge covers the entire inner surface.
Don’t shake it. You don’t want a lot of bubbles.
Pour out the excess Pledge (I poured it into my 2nd tube) and add a fair amount of your glitter.
Now is a good time to get the kids involved!
Shake the the tube so that the glitter touches every inner surface. It will stick to the Pledge.
Add more glitter if you need to, but don’t try to remove any excess glitter. Its best just to leave it.
Although the rubber stopper that comes with these test tubes fits pretty snug, I added a small amount of glue around the top to be sure it won’t pop out later.
Repeat the glittering process with the 2nd test tube.
You can make any number of different Christmas characters with these.
Brown glitter would make for a cute reindeer.
Green glitter for a little Christmas elf.
I’m opting for a snowman and a Santa.
So let me show you how to accessorize!
The first thing our snowman needs is a top hat. I’m making mine out of felt.
Cut a circle of felt that is slightly larger in diameter than the test tube as well as a rectangle for the length of the hat.
Fold the circle in half and cut a small X in the felt. Now it can be slipped over the test tube.
Along the short end of the rectangle add some glue then roll the rectangle into a cylinder.
Cut a square of felt slightly larger than the diameter of the cylinder and adhere it to the cylinder. This will be the very top of the hat. Once its dry, trim the square into a circle.
Take the bottom of the cylinder and glue it to the larger circle that we cut the hole in.
Add some decorative trim to the hat if you like then put it on the test tube and adhere it on.
Use some ribbon, fabric, or lace to tie on a decorative scarf to the snowman.
Using a Sharpie or glass paint, add the two coal eyes, coal smile, and carrot nose.
For our Santa ornament, we also need a hat.
You can use felt, but I happened to have some red velveteen fabric on hand so I used that.
Cut a right angle triangle then add a line of glue to longest side.
Roll the fabric to make a pointed hat, almost like a birthday party cone hat.
Make sure the base will fit over the top of the test tube.
Add a white pom pom to the pointed end of the hat.
I had some white furry material that I folded to look like a pom pom.
The next step is optional.
My Santa hat is tall, and I want it to fold over. To do this I need to add some wire to the interior of the hat.
Cut a length of wire slightly smaller than the length of the hat and roll it in some batting.
Be sure both ends of the wire have plenty of batting around them so they will not puncture the hat.
Stuff the batting into the hat.
Slip the hat over the test tube and glue it down. Glue more of your white material around the base.
Now bend the wire to fold the hat.
Use black ribbon or scrapbook paper (I used glitter ribbon) to make a belt for the ornament.
Glue it on then use silver glitter glue to make a belt buckle.
To hang the ornaments, tie a small circle of ribbon into a knot and hot glue it to the back of the ornament.
Now you’re ready to add some sparkle to your Christmas tree!
This project was originally shared as part of the Swell Noel series at Positively Splendid.
Linking up to Flamingo Toes, Skip to My Lou, Today’s Creative Blog, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Tidymom, 504 Main, Serenity Now, Whipperberry, My Repurposed Life, 30 Days, Tatertots & Jello, Positively Splendid, and other great parties found on my party page.
[email protected] Repurposed Life says
December 20, 2012 at 11:28 AMoh michele! how cute these ornaments are!
catching you. 🙂
gail
Diana - FreeStyleMama says
December 17, 2012 at 8:56 PMAdorable!!
Feral Turtle says
December 15, 2012 at 9:55 AMSo cute! PINNING!! Visiting from SNS Linky. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.
stella says
December 14, 2012 at 9:20 AMThese are wonderful! I have an over-abundance of test tubes that were given to me (great problem to have, right!?) and these are just perfect! I have always wondered exactly what the product was to make the floor shine and glitter ornaments- thank you so much for the picture of the Pledge. I have to make a run to the grocery store!
[email protected] Dream Canvas says
December 14, 2012 at 12:54 AMWhat a cute idea!! I am visiting you via Somewhat Simple. I look forward to seeing you at My Dream Canvas. Happy Holidays. Anu
Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says
December 13, 2012 at 10:17 PMWhat a cute idea … I love them!
Janelle Marshall says
December 13, 2012 at 9:04 AMThese are so adorable! I have some of these test tubes and have never come up with an idea to use them. 😉
Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate says
December 12, 2012 at 1:51 PMCa-yute! I have yet to try the Pleadge thing but it’s on my list!
Beverly {Flamingo Toes} says
December 12, 2012 at 1:22 PMThese are soo darling Michele!! I love that they are in test tubes! Also – that ribbon you used for the snowman’s scarf couldn’t be more perfect! 🙂